The Moorish Idol Thread
- Thread starter zfunk007
- Start date
cthetoy
Active member
Nice pair. The Idol on the right is on the skinny side as you can see its dorsal bone. They get skinny fast when underfed or newly acquired. I had the same problem as well. I fed it 4x to 6x a day and once it fattens up I cut it to twice a day.. Yes your water quality might take a hit with the SPS I see in your tank but just change your water more often. A small hassle to pay but well worth it for Moorish Idols
Looks like your Yellow Tang is on the skinny side as well. The Idol on the left looks perfect
Looks like your Yellow Tang is on the skinny side as well. The Idol on the left looks perfect
Happy(ish) couple
Ya, he came in a bit thin, the larger looks good. I am feeding as much as they will eat to fatten them up, although I feed heavy anyway as I think it's important to the fish and the corals. I do 50% water changes every 2 weeks, so water quality isn't really a concern.
Yes, the yellow is a new addition, came in the same shipment as the MIs. I had a large fat YT, but it went after the MIs constantly so I traded him for this little guy.
dotcommer
Active member
In the ocean they usually run in pairs from what I read. Depending on tank size as well, the larger the tank, the better chance of two living together. These fish need room to swim. I have a 10' long tank and my MI uses every inch of it.
Unfortunately my tank is nowhere near 10' and chances of my pair staying friendly seem slim. So far they're buddies, but the larger already looks a bit frantic in the small area. Too bad, they look good together, but once fully eating offered food, I should probably find a larger home for him.
Just sounded like Fenner's opinion was based on experience
Just sounded like Fenner's opinion was based on experience
Just an update to document the process. Both MIs doing well, eating everything but pellets so far. Feeding heavy and needing a 50% water change, although the SPS are looking good and clams are fuller than usual. Still getting along as a pair, going to push that and see how long I can manage them together. I think as long as I provide surplus food, they may get along.
Interesting note, a friend bought 2 others from the same shipment, lost them both one week in. I don't have a lot of detail on his tank, so can't venture a real guess, but both were eating well from the second day.
I'm feeling like dissolved O2 has a big role in their survival, and if you've got a heavy photosynthetic load and run a night mode on pumps, I think the chances of waking up to dead fish goes way up. I have huge surface agitation in my tank, so hoping that's the secret. Time will tell...
Interesting note, a friend bought 2 others from the same shipment, lost them both one week in. I don't have a lot of detail on his tank, so can't venture a real guess, but both were eating well from the second day.
I'm feeling like dissolved O2 has a big role in their survival, and if you've got a heavy photosynthetic load and run a night mode on pumps, I think the chances of waking up to dead fish goes way up. I have huge surface agitation in my tank, so hoping that's the secret. Time will tell...
Flatlander
Premium Member
Nice pic Brad. Im sure they have the best of care being with you.
Thanks Doug, but not yet sure it depends on the keeper vs the fish. I'll keep my thread updated on our board.
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
Here's a picture of mine on QT
My MI is almost ready for my DT. How do you suggest I introduce him/her to the tank. I worry because I have a purple tang and a PBT in there right now. I believe the MI is larger than both of them. I do have a acclimation box that 12"x8"x8" but I worry that it may be too small for the MI and get more stressed. What are your thoughts?
gofor100
New member
I always introduce my fish after the lights go out and after I've fed them a little extra. I seemed to be pretty successful with that, but then again, I never tried to introduce fish after I had my PBT (I had introduced the MI before the PBT). Would hate to freak your MI out by placing him in a smallish container. I guess it just depends on the temperament of your PBT.
Good luck Mike!
-Chad
Good luck Mike!
-Chad
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
Maybe I'll try and catch my PBT and put him in the acclimation box for a day and then release the MI. thanks for the idea.
I had a to remove a large Yellow Tang after adding the MIs. A buddy came over and caught him with his hand. Amazing to see
solitude127
Proud user of IO Salt!
I had a to remove a large Yellow Tang after adding the MIs. A buddy came over and caught him with his hand. Amazing to see
That would have been a great video.
Keimaxbode
New member
There's a Fijian Moorish Idol [Expert Only] coming up on Live Aquaria's Divers' Den today at 6. You would have to be on site right at 6 and ready to purchase immediately or it'll be gone. I have gotten 3 from them over the last 5 years. My last one going on 3 months. First one for over a year and 2nd one (a female I think that came from the main LA website not through DD where they make sure they are eating well and have QT'd before shipping. Just wanted to post in case anyone was looking for a good opportunity.
He came by at night, turned the lights out and used a strobe type flashlight to confuse the fish. Corralled it into a corner and picked it up. Took about 5 minutes in a 115g tank. I was impressed
Just a quick phone pic, 2+ weeks in and doing well.
The 120 does look tight, especially for two. Idols really do need swimming room. Nice corals though. Hope you can make it work.
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